'Fijian feel' for Shortland Street

THREE episodes of the long-running medical soap drama Shortland Street are being shot in Fiji bringing to our shores one of the show's main stars, Michael Galvin — better known as Chris Warner.

Made possible through a partnership between national airline Fiji Airways and New Zealand's South Pacific Pictures, Galvin will be joined by Sam Bunkall (Boyd Rolleston), Ria Vandervis (Harper Whitley) and Kerry-Lee Dewing (Kylie Brown).

The shoot will be for the show's annual end-of-the-year cliffhanger.

A statement by Fiji Airways quoted Mr Galvin as happy to be leaving New Zealand's winter temperatures.

"I cannot wait to get on board Fiji Airways to make our way up to Suva and Nadi," he said last week.

"We rarely get to leave Ferndale so we're all very excited to get out there and meet some of our international Fijian fans!"

Shortland Street's producer Simon Bennett said they were looking forward to sending the cast from Ferndale to Fiji.

"We're delighted to be able to film in Fiji, thanks to Fiji Airways," Mr Bennett said.

"Viewers can be assured the scenes will have a distinctly Fijian feel, as well as all the dramatic elements Shortland Street fans know and love.

"The cast will be involved in a storyline incorporating the Fred Hollows Foundation.

"The foundation is important to Kiwis and Fijians, and truly embodies the relationship between the two countries.

"These elements also demonstrate the commitment Shortland Street has to telling stories that reflect important social issues."

Fiji Airways CEO and managing director Stefan Pilcher said since Shortland Street began screening in Fiji in 1994, it had been a firm favourite and one of Fiji's most popular shows.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for both Fiji Airways and Fijians, and we are thrilled to be able to host the cast and crew of Shortland Street in our country," Mr Pichler said.

The Shortland Street team started filming in Suva and Nadi on Monday and is expected to wrap up its shoot on Friday August 8.

The three 30-minute episodes will air in late September or early October this year.